Margaret "Peggy" Charlene Hathorn Corban

Margaret "Peggy" Charlene Hathorn Corban, 88, died at her home in Long Beach, MS on November 30, 2021. She will be fondly remembered for her friendship and hospitality, her keen wit and sense of humor, her ability to add beauty to the everyday, and not least, her devotion to her family and husband of 66 years, Magruder “Mac” Sullivan Corban. Peggy was born in Magee, MS on November 1, 1933. Her family lived in Miami during World War II and moved to Biloxi when she was in middle school. She enjoyed an active social life in her teen years, serving as an officer in Debuteens, Rainbow Girls, Town Teens, and as Phi Kappa sweetheart. Peggy graduated from Biloxi High School in 1951 where she was voted "Wittiest Girl." She graduated from Mississippi Southern College in 1955, with a degree in Elementary Education, and where she served as President of Kappa Delta Sorority and was a tennis champion. Peggy met her lifelong love, Magruder (Grudy), at the age of 14 and they were high school sweethearts. She and Mac married April 8, 1955 and lived in New Orleans where he completed medical school and she taught school. During Mac’s tour of duty in the United States Air Force, they lived in England and Norway, an experience that sparked a lifelong love of travel and collecting beautiful objects. After several years in New Orleans, where Mac completed specialty training, they moved back to the Mississippi Gulf Coast in 1965 and resided in Gulfport with their four children. Peggy and Mac enjoyed entertaining in their home in Gulfport and, in later years, their home "Oakhaven" in Long Beach. When living in Bayou View across the street from the Gulf gas station, she regaled to out-of-towners of living in her home overlooking the Gulf. In 1987, her dream came true when she and Mac purchased a beachfront home. Together they restored the home and Peggy again proved her talents making it a beautiful showplace. They welcomed family and friends sharing the many meals she prepared, always with dessert. Peggy was active in her community serving in several different offices in Gulfport Junior Auxiliary, Gulfport Yacht Club Ladies Auxiliary, Gulf Coast Medical Auxiliary, Merry Maskers, Gulf Coast Carnival Association, Antique Club and Culture Club. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. Peggy reigned as Queen of Merry Maskers in 1978. She had a passion for gardening and designing flower arrangements and was an active member of Bayou View Garden Club and Four Seasons Garden Club. Peggy had a wonderful imagination when designing and arranging scenes and flowers for themed parties. She often created an awe-inspiring atmosphere for celebrations, and for special occasions would write a clever poem for the honoree and read it in her heart-warming style. Peggy enjoyed long relationships with many friends who provided her life with much happiness. During the 1980’s, Peggy was co-owner (and later sole proprietor) of Annie's Woodshed, a gift shop located in a historical, gingerbread home surrounded by live oaks. Peggy loved traveling to market each year to discover the newest decorations or themes, and sharing her unique discoveries with friends and customers. Her practiced eye for design resulted in captivating and successful shop displays. Later, Peggy would open Grandmother's Fan Quilt Shop (named for her favorite quilt pattern) where she shared another passion with friends -- quilting. Peggy began sewing as a young girl and later enjoyed sewing clothes for her daughters, granddaughters, and dolls. Her love for creative sewing grew into an interest in quilting. Peggy and Mac enjoyed traveling the countryside to find beautifully designed handmade quilts and antiques. During their travels, they met people who shared their interests and became lifelong friends. She passed the love of sewing on to her children and grandchildren. After closing Annie's Woodshed and Grandmother's Fan Quilt Shop, Peggy carried her passion for retail displays and gift sales to Martin Miazza's Gift Shop. Peggy loved to create themed displays and wrap special gifts sold to her friends and customers. She was preceded in death by her husband, Magruder “Mac” Sullivan Corban; her mother, Jewel Palmer McInnis Williamson; her adoptive father, Fleet Hathorn; her father, Charles P. Hippman; her brother, Arthur Ulysses Hathorn, Sr. and his wife, Nancy (Wilson); her beloved aunts, Mattie Christine Schonian and Nancy Currie; and her grandson, Paul King. Peggy is survived by her children, Karen Appleby, John Eric Corban (Carol), Christine O'Bannon (Louis), and Margaret King (Robert Muller); grandchildren, Will Appleby (Cadi), Lizzy Appleby (Nat Duran), Lawrence (Monique), John, and Carolyn Corban, Ann Corban Blount (Brad), Magruder and Corban O’Bannon, Summer and Emily King; 9 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Jo Corban; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. The family wishes to thank the long service of the Corbans’ devoted caregivers including Marilyn Turnage, Alfred Simmons, Claudette Casey, Tracy Taylor, Monique Watson, and St. Joseph Hospice. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Trinity United Methodist Church, 5007 Lawson Ave., Gulfport, MS, 39507. Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 5, 2021, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Gulfport from 12:00 to 1:00 pm, with services immediately following at 1:00 pm. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is honored to serve the Corban family. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Margaret "Peggy" Charlene Hathorn Corban please visit our Sympathy Store.